Murdoch has agreed to never seek another position in the New Mexico judicial system.

The agreement was reached between Murdoch and the Judicial Standards Commission.

"I think it's unfortunate and difficult as Murdoch is retiring under these circumstances," said Chief District Court Judge Ted Baca. "I assume that he is doing it, first of all, because he believes it's in the best interest of the court. That was always a major concern of his. And second of all, because he believes it's in his best interest."

With Murdoch's retirement, officials said the Judicial Standards Commission will drop its disciplinary investigation.

"There have been circumstances where the Judicial Standards Commission has entered into agreements with judges to get them to retire or resign in exchange for, perhaps, not going after their pension benefits," said Action 7 political analyst Brian Sanderoff.

Sanderoff said the Supreme Court probably would have suspended Murdoch, but his retirement pre-empted the high court's actions.

"We are very grateful for his service. He's leaving under difficult circumstances, we wish him well," Baca said.

Murdoch was arrested last Tuesday on charges of criminal sexual penetration and intimidation of a witness.

According to the police report, a woman claimed that Murdoch paid $200 to have sex with her eight separate times and one time, she recorded the act on a hidden camera. The woman claimed that on two occasions, Murdoch forcibly performed oral sex on her.

When she hinted about the possibility of someone making allegations against him, the judge allegedly told her he would use the police and his connections to take care of the situation, according to the police report.

Police said officers paid $400 for a video said to show Murdoch with a prostitute.

Last week, Murdoch's lawyers said in court that their client is the real victim after the rape accusation against him.

His lawyers filed a motion last Thursday to get the charges dismissed.

"We believe our client, Judge Murdoch, is a victim in this case," Murdoch's lawyers said. "Law enforcement has rushed to judgment before fully considering the facts and issues surrounding this case."